"Broadway was my original dream," Lucci told TV Guide's Michael Logan in the November 27, 1999 issue of the magazine. This is her first foray back into live musical theater since college and she is understandably nervous. She has been working with John McDaniel, musical director of The Rosie O'Donnell Show, who is coaching her for the stage. Although Lucci admitted in TV Guide that she is losing sleep in anticipation, I think she has it covered. Annie may not get a man with a gun, but 8 million husbands later, Erica's got a pretty good shot! ;o)

Along with making her Broadway debut this year, Lucci is also the official ambassador of Hunger-Free Holiday(TM), a new Web-based program designed to help fight hunger in America. She appeared at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as spokesperson for the cause.

"We are grateful to Ms. Lucci for lending her time and voice to help raise awareness for the millions of Americans who risk hunger daily," said Deborah Leff, president and CEO, America's Second Harvest. "We are certain her efforts will help feed thousands of needy children and families during the holiday season". FreeShop.com, national retailer Macy's, and America's Second Harvest, the nation's largest domestic relief organization, sponsor the program. Here's how it works:

Visitors to the Hunger-Free Holiday Web site at http://www.freeshop.com can make online contributions directly benefiting America's Second Harvest between now and Dec. 31 via secure credit card transactions. For every dollar donated, America's Second Harvest distributes 34 pounds of food and grocery products to food banks across the nation. From there, the food goes to those who really need it -- 35 million people each year, including 8 million children and 4 million seniors.

"Susan Lucci adds a strong, recognizable voice to this breakthrough click-and-give program," said Tim Choate, president and CEO of FreeShop.com. "Her commitment to this important cause will go a long way in helping millions of American threatened by hunger."

Lucci appears in "Annie Get Your Gun" at the Minskoff Theatre, 1535 Broadway, NYC December 23, 1999 through January 16, 2000. Tickets range from $20.00 to $75.00, and are still available as of this writing. They can be purchased online at http://www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 212 307-4100.